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\\u201cThe solution to our food insecurity lies within the networking and donors. \\u201d

This week on The Produce Moms Podcast, Lori spends time talking to Shara Merten, the CEO of the Yuma Food Bank. This community food bank is the largest food effort in all of Yuma and La Paz County. To give perspective, Yuma itself has 205,000 inhabitants, and there are 200,000 individuals that benefit from the food bank! It truly is a vital part of the community.

\\u201cWe are the end of the supply chain for all of the fresh grown product. That way it doesn\\u2019t go into the landfill. We find places for it.\\u201d

While the primary focus of the food bank is the community of Yuma, the produce that thrives there in the winter is the only source of US-based produce! Not only are they feeding the food-insecure in Yuma, but they are feeding America during the winter months. The most challenging time of year for the community is summer, when less produce is readily available, and children are out of school. During these months, the Yuma Food Bank partners with the Feeding America Network, to make sure the individuals in their community still have access to fresh produce. \\xa0

\\u201cVolunteers are really the foundation of the work staff that we have. Getting people to volunteer their time is a treasure... Having community time with your family at the food bank has a double side. It teaches our youth that there is more to the world than what revolves around them.\\u201d

The Yuma Food Bank is such an amazing example of a network of people who have joined together to help make the community and the world a better place.

Check out yumafoodbank.org to learn more! You\\u2019ll also want to head over to feedingamerica.org, a partner in Yuma\\u2019s efforts, and one of the nation\\u2019s leading resources for providing hunger relief.

Some Topics we talk about in this episode:

• Introduction // Shara Merten - 1:30
• Where is the Yuma Food Bank - 3:40
• The Impact of the Yuma Food Bank - 6:08
• Yuma\\u2019s Distribution - 10:41
• About the Feeding America Network - 13:12
• How to Get Involved - 17:06
• Looking at the Legacy of Yuma and Moving Forward - 20:30
• Wrap-up - 25:36

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How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week! https://www.facebook.com/groups/316715662104709/
• Reach out to us - we\\u2019d love to hear more about where you\\u2019re at in life and business! Find out more at www.theproducemom.com

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we\\u2019d love for you to help us spread the word!